Which aspect of network security does the term 'authorization' refer to?

The term 'authorization' in the context of network security specifically refers to the process of allowing access to resources based on permissions assigned to a user or a system. This means that once a user's identity has been verified through authentication, authorization determines what that user is allowed to do on the network. It involves defining what resources a user can access and what actions they can perform, such as read, write, or execute permissions on different resources like files, databases, and applications.

This concept is crucial in ensuring that only those who have the proper permissions can access sensitive information or perform certain functions, thus helping to maintain the integrity and confidentiality of data within the network. In contrast, verifying user identities is related to authentication rather than authorization, securing data during transmission pertains to encryption and security protocols, and identifying user actions corresponds to auditing and monitoring rather than the permission-based access control that defines authorization.